Topic: Have GPS Puck and Y COM Cable but Nothing Else

[Consigliere]

I am trying to use my 987c SI from a benchtop power supply so that I can export data etc in the comfort of home.  Unfortunately you cannot access the NAV menus without a GPS puck installed.  I have a GPS puck (GR 16/4) that does not have a cable attached, only the 3 wires (green, red, white) and I also have a Y COM cable from my other GPS kit that is permanently mounted in my boat. 

Is there a way to get my GPS puck hooked up so that I can access the NAV menus with what I have or do I need to order a GPS cable?  My DIY skills are suitable to making my own cable, just not sure how!

Alternatively, is there a way to access the NAV menus without a GPS puck connected?

Thanks

[ITGEEK]

If you want to export data, leave the unit on your
boat and export the data to an SD card.
You can then read the SD card from a computer (via HumminbirdPC
or Humviewer), or from another sonar unit.

I think without a GPS installed, your unit will be missing
lots of things:(namely views and menus).

I would think you could still view recordings on your
home system without a GPS installed, but I'm not
totally sure about that.

Greg would know.

Also, if you have a Navionics map chip, Navionics has some
software that you could download to your computer and look
at the maps.

[Jim Jack]

Use simulator mode, you should be able to access all views with nothing but power supply. Simulator mode is selecting during the start up.

[Consigliere]

Problem is boat is stored for the winter right now so that is not an option, and it's not really fun sitting out at night getting eaten by mosquitos downloading data.  And yes, without GPS connected the finder is very limited.

I will try the simulator mode, hopefully that will work!

[ITGEEK]

It only takes about 30 seconds to export
all Nav data to an SD card.
Then you could view it on a PC.

[Humminbird_Greg]

The standard “point-of-purchase” simulator mode will work but if you want to make and save any changes to the unit menus or navigation data than you should use the “forced” simulator mode for that.  To get the unit into the forced Simulator mode:
 - Power the unit on as normal but while it is still showing the “Humminbird 987c Si Combo” message; press the MENU button.
 - You should have three or four menu options.  Use the Up/Down Arrow buttons to highlight “Simulator”.
 - Use the Right Arrow button to start the unit in this mode.

Personally I would use the forced Simulator mode.

[Consigliere]

Thanks guys.  I tried the "forced' simulator mode last night and was able to download the NAV data to an SD card to backup.